Samuel Foster Brooks

Samuel Foster Brooks, 63, passed away November 21, 2025. Sam was born in New Iberia, La. He lived most of his life in Washington, DC, and returned to Baton Rouge in 2024. Sam graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School in 1980 as salutatorian of his class. From there, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1983, where he graduated summa cum laude. While at Vanderbilt, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was a Harold Stirling Vanderbilt Scholar. He studied abroad his junior and senior years at the University of Leeds and Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Once returning stateside, Sam attended Harvard Law School as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. While there, he was an articles editor for Harvard International Law Journal. He graduated from Harvard cum laude in 1987. After spending a year as a law clerk for The Honorable Robert Yock in U.S. Claims Court, he then went on to obtain his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 1993.

Sam worked as a tax attorney for many years at several prestigious firms in Washington, DC. He then worked for Deloitte & Touche, LLP; as a solo legal practitioner; and for the District of Columbia Department of Health. He ended his career at the U. S. Department of Transportation in the Civil Rights Division, where he worked until his retirement earlier this year.

He was an avid traveler, a love which began during his junior year abroad. His many travels led to his voracious exploration of five of seven continents. His travels always included exploring local favorites as well as 5-star restaurants. His brilliant mind and gregarious personality led him to easily make connections wherever he went.

Sam is survived by his parents, Rick and Millie Brooks; his sister, Beth Brooks Morrison; his niece, Rachael Morgan (Steven); his nephew, Zachary Morrison; as well as a great-nephew and three great-nieces.

A private service was held for the family. A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge or an organization of your choice.